| Course # |
Course Title |
Course Description |
Credits |
| BIB-104 |
Old Testament Historical Perspectives |
This course is an introductory historical survey of the Old Testament. Attention is given to the study of the Bible itself, its institutions, its literature, and the history of the national life of the Hebrew people from earliest times to the close of the Old Testament period. The course also explores the impact of the Old Testament on the development of Christianity and Christian values. |
4 |
| BIB-105 |
New Testament Historical Perspectives |
This course is an introductory historical survey of the New Testament, beginning with the interbiblical period. The main emphasis of this course is the Gospels and Acts, and the development of Christian faith and perspectives throughout this historical period. |
4 |
| INT-244 |
World Religions |
This course is a study of the major contemporary religions of the world including Abrahamic religions, Eastern religions, and other religions. The course covers religious texts, historical background, and current beliefs and practices. Emphasis is given to the ideological foundations of a Christian worldview, a comparison of worldviews, and the application of worldviews within a global society. |
4 |
| PHI-305 |
Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts |
This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. |
4 |
| MIN-350 |
Spiritual Formation for Christian Leaders |
This writing-intensive course is a study of the basic disciplines of Christian discipleship, focusing on the formation of character, values, disciplines, and habits, especially related to the inner development of spirituality. The study makes use of some of the Christian devotional classics. Beyond personal spiritual development, this course addresses students‛ preparation for being spiritual leaders, encouragers, and/or disciplers of others. Prerequisites: BIB-104 and BIB-105. |
4 |
| BIB-351 |
Moses and the Prophets |
This course examines the tradition of the Pentateuch tradition and its elaboration in the prophetic tradition. The scriptural record of beginnings and of early Hebrew history, religion, and law is the foundation for the study, with corresponding attention given to Old Testament prophetic writings. Aspects of the prophetic study include the messianic element, the occasion of writing, authorship, content, and interpretation. Prerequisite: BIB-104. |
4 |
| BIB-354 |
Jesus and His Interpreters |
This course focuses on the teachings and major events in the life of Jesus and the elaboration on those teachings in Paul‛s writings. Special attention is given to the person, teachings, and work of Jesus. Some pertinent issues in Pauline studies, such as the Judaizer conflict, the effect of Paul‛s conversion on his thinking and writing, and the sequence of his letters will be examined for their role in the development of the Gospel tradition. Prerequisite: BIB-105. |
4 |
| BIB-355 |
Biblical Interpretation and Application |
This writing-intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisites: ENG-105, BIB-104, and BIB-105. |
4 |
| BIB-365 |
Old Testament Writings |
This course addresses the historical books of the Old Testament (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah), giving special attention to the text with regard to its politics, culture, religions, geographical setting, literary genre, and theological themes. Prerequisite: BIB-355. |
4 |
| BIB-370 |
Hebrew Poetical and Wisdom Literature |
This course is a study of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament. Attention is given to the development of the literature as well as an investigation of each book's composition and theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-355 and BIB-365. |
4 |
| HTH-359 |
Systematic Theology |
This course is a systematic study of the major doctrines of the Christian religion, including revelation and the Bible, the Trinity, the doctrine of man, the atonement, salvation and Christian growth, the church and it ordinances, and eschatology, examining the biblical foundation for these teachings and their development over time. The course also discusses the relationship between Christianity and other world religions and the relationship between Christian theology and philosophy. Prerequisites: BIB-351 and BIB-354. |
4 |
| HTH-379 |
History of Christianity |
This course addresses the significant movements and turning points within the church from New Testament times through the Reformation and into modern day America and the world. Special emphasis is given to the ancient Christian church, the church fathers, heresies, monasticism, the Papacy, the practices and problems of the church, the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Counter-Reformation, and the mission movement—both Catholic and Protestant. Attention is also given to the relationship between Christianity and culture, as Christianity in its geographical expansion through the course of history has interfaced with various cultures ranging from the Jewish world, to the Greco-Roman world, to the barbarian cultures of northern Europe, to the varying cultures encountered as Christianity spread to the New World and then to African and Asian cultures. Prerequisites: BIB-104 and BIB-105. |
4 |
| HTH-469 |
Contemporary Theology |
This course begins with a brief background of the development of Protestant liberal theology starting with Schleiermacher. Then attention is given to the 20th century schools of theological thought: neo-Orthodox, existential, process, theology of hope, Latin American liberation theology, African-American liberation theology, feminist liberation theology, new Catholic theology, theological expressions of Christianity in Africa and Asia, narrative/post modern approaches to theology, and variations and popular expressions in Protestant theology particularly in America. Even as Christianity must be clothed in various cultures, so the various contemporary theologies attempt to relate theological truth in ways that are relevant to particular cultures or sub-cultures. In the process of studying each contemporary theology, attention will also be given to how that theology is expressed in cultural clothing. Prerequisite: HTH-359. |
4 |
| CHL-465 |
Christian Leadership in the 21st Century |
This course is an examination of Christian leadership with an emphasis on ethics, community, the environment, and the intricacies of cross-cultural leadership. The course helps students identify administrative skills necessary for leading a successful organization, examine how their Christian values influence their actions and decisions as they live out their faith in their vocations and positions, develop a framework for practicing global citizenship, and initiate an informed dialogue concerning the nature of leadership in other cultures and in diverse situations. Prerequisites: BIB-351, BIB-354, MIN-350, and HTH-469. |
4 |
| BIB-380 |
Pauline Epistles |
This course provides an overview of the Apostle Paul‛s letters to the early New Testament churches. Special attention is given to the nature of Paul‛s ministry; the theological, social, and practical issues he addressed; and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Prerequisite: BIB-355. |
4 |
| BIB-455 |
Hebrew Prophets |
This course offers a critical study of the pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic prophets, with special consideration given to the social, political, and religious conditions of their times. Attention is given to the ministry and message of the prophets, in their day and today. Prerequisites: BIB-355 and 365. |
4 |
| BIB-465 |
The General Epistles |
This course covers Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude as they relate to the theological and ethical content of Christianity. Students examine the nature, message, and historical context of the books. Prerequisite: BIB-355. |
4 |
| BIB-475 |
Johannine Literature |
This course provides an overview of the New Testament texts of the Apostle John. Special attention is given to the nature of John‛s ministry; the theological, social, and practical issues he addressed; and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Prerequisite: BIB-355. |
4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 72 |